General Convention Resolution
Resolution Number: 1991-D125
Title: Oppose Oil Development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Legislative Action Taken: Concurred As Submitted
Final Text:
Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 70th General Convention of the Episcopal Church protect the sanctity of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska by opposing the opening of this refuge for oil development; and be it further
Resolved, That the Washington Office of the Episcopal Church work toward opposing legislation that would open up the refuge, and work on behalf of legislation that would improve energy sufficiency and conservation so that drilling in this pristine area would not be necessary.
Citation: General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Phoenix, 1991 (New York: General Convention, 1992), p. 367
Executive Council Resolution
TO: The Executive Council
FROM: The Standing Committee on National Concerns
RE: Conservation Based Energy Policy
DATE: February 24, 2002
Resolved, that the Executive Council meeting in San Antonio, TX, February 21-25, 2002, calls on the U.S. Congress and Administration to pass meaningful conservation-based energy legislation consistent with the long-standing belief that we are stewards of God’s creation, responsible for its care and preservation; and be it further
Resolved, that the Church urges government and industry to consider raising vehicle fuel economy of all vehicles in the United States, increasing funding for mass transit, investing in renewable energy research and development, regulating carbon diocese, increasing energy efficiency for consumer products, and increasing funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; and be it further
Resolved, that the Episcopal Church strongly opposes drilling or mining in our nation’s dwindling wild lands and places important to the traditional cultures of indigenous peoples, including oil and gas exploration and drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge that threaten the life and culture of the Gwich’in people.
Explanation
The Bush Administration and members of the 107th Congress have set as a priority for this nation the introduction and passage of energy legislation. The Episcopal Church cautions Congress not to adopt energy legislation based on short term realities at the expense of long-term solutions to energy independence. Conservation and reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels can be accomplished in economically responsible and beneficial ways. Conservation and development of the cleanest technologies possible are the wisest, most just, and most prudent means to meet our energy needs and fulfill our moral obligations to ensure the health and well being of the American people and people around the world.
Such proposals include:
- Raising vehicle fuel economy, (also known as CAFÉ standards) for all vehicles in the United States in the shortest feasible timeframe, and require SUVs and minivans to meet the same standards as passenger cars.
- Developing strategies by the government that encourage the auto industry to further design and produce vehicles using hybrid-electric, fuel cell, and other promising clean technologies, and provide incentives for their purchase.
- Increasing funding for inter-city rail and metropolitan mass transit to provide attractive and functional alternatives to single occupancy autos.
- Increasing investment by the government and private sector in renewable energy research and development with a focus on wind, geothermal, solar and biomass technology.
- Including carbon dioxide as a regulated pollutant from power plants.
- Applying the strongest feasible energy efficiency standards to consumer products.
- Increasing funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and other programs to alleviate economic hardships on low-income people caused by high-energy prices.
